Joseph Thomas McQueen

Joseph passed away peacefully after a long battle with ALS. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the age of 70 years. Joe was born on December 20, 1950 to the late Bruce and Patricia (Valliere) McQueen in Merrill, Michigan. Joseph was a graduate of Merrill High School, class of 1969. He served four years in the Army National Guard. Joe married Carla Wardin on October 11, 1975 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hemlock. They shared 45 years together.

Joseph was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church; he served the church as trustee for 44 years. Joe was employed as an auto mechanic for many years at the Merrill Dealership. He continued his career as a mechanic working at home in his beloved garage. Joe cherished his 1955 Chevy truck and enjoyed working along side his “car buddy” Larry Engel. He also enjoyed hunting, especially with his sons, and brother in law Tom Wardin. Joe and Tom would travel to Edenville, Michigan for deer camp and also made several trips to Missouri for hunting as well. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and NASCAR. Joe will forever be remembered for his faith, strong work ethic and honest personality which he instilled in all of his children. He was always at his happiest when he was putzing around in his garage or mowing the lawn. His grandchildren will remember him for his famous pancakes (which were from a box).

Joe is survived by his wife Carla and four children: Nate (Ronnie) McQueen, Josh (Melissa) McQueen, Jordan (Katie) McQueen and Carly (Matt) Gembrowski. He is also survived by his grandchildren who meant the world to him: Natalie, Olivia, Larkin, Carter, Henry, Maggie and Cooper McQueen and Ava and Bodhi Gembrowski. His siblings Mary (John) Siler and Dave (Pam) McQueen also survive him as well as his in laws: Dan (Ellie) Wardin, Tom (Jeanette) Wardin, Paula (Paul) Gorney, Donna Wardin, Brenda (John) Parent, Bill Wardin and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother and father in law Bonnie and Carl Wardin.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at St. Peter Lutheran Church (2461 N. Raucholz Road, Hemlock). Rev. Dr. William L. Morris will officiate. Burial will follow at Richland Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 4, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at church. Due to the world wide health pandemic, building capacity will be limited, face coverings will be required and social distancing will be encouraged. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the ALS Foundation.

Joseph’s family would like to thank the staff at Masonic Pathways, Alma, where he spent the last three years. A special thank you to William and Maria, the assisted breathing unit, nurses, respiratory therapists, CNA’s, physical therapists, and speech therapists. Over the past three years the staff became part of the family.